What are the side effects of Lipitor? How does the dosage affect side effects? What are the uses of Lipitor? Get answers to frequently asked questions about this cholesterol-lowering medication.

Lipitor Side Effects: Understanding the Risks

Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a prescription medication commonly used to treat high cholesterol and reduce the risk of certain heart conditions. Like any drug, Lipitor can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Some of the commonly reported side effects include:

• Infections (e.g., common cold, urinary tract infection)
• Nausea
• Pain in the arms or legs
• Joint pain
• Diarrhea

While these side effects are usually temporary and manageable, it’s important to discuss any persistent or bothersome symptoms with your healthcare provider. They can help determine if your dosage needs to be adjusted or if an alternative treatment might be more appropriate.

Serious Side Effects of Lipitor

In rare cases, Lipitor can cause more serious side effects, including:

• Severe muscle pain
• Rhabdomyolysis (a serious condition caused by the breakdown of muscle tissue)
• Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (a rare muscle condition)
• Liver damage
• Severe allergic reaction

If you experience any of these serious side effects, it’s crucial to contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care if the symptoms seem life-threatening.

Lipitor Dosage and Side Effects

The strength of the Lipitor dose you take can impact your risk of experiencing side effects. Lipitor is available in four different strengths:

• 10 milligrams (mg)
• 20 mg
• 40 mg
• 80 mg

Generally, a higher dose of Lipitor may increase the likelihood of side effects. If you’re experiencing side effects, discuss with your doctor whether a dosage adjustment or a different medication might be more appropriate.

Lipitor: Uses and Indications

Lipitor is primarily used to:

• Lower cholesterol levels in adults and some children
• Reduce the risk of certain heart-related conditions in adults with high cholesterol

The drug is typically prescribed along with dietary and lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, to help manage cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health.

Lipitor vs. Generic Atorvastatin: Comparing Side Effects

Lipitor and its generic equivalent, atorvastatin, generally have similar side effects because they contain the same active ingredient, atorvastatin. However, the inactive ingredients in these medications may differ, which could potentially lead to slightly different side effects.

If you’re considering switching between the brand-name Lipitor and the generic atorvastatin, discuss the potential differences in side effects with your doctor or pharmacist. They can provide guidance on the best option for your individual needs.

Lipitor Side Effects in Females vs. Males

According to research, Lipitor does not typically cause different side effects in females and males. The drug’s safety and efficacy profiles are generally consistent across genders.

However, it’s important to note that Lipitor may not be recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as it could potentially cause other side effects or harm to the developing fetus or nursing infant.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lipitor

Does Lipitor cause weight gain?
No, Lipitor is not known to cause weight gain as a side effect. Weight changes are not commonly reported with this medication.

Can Lipitor be taken with food?
Yes, Lipitor can be taken with or without food. The medication can be taken at any time of day, but it’s best to take it at the same time each day for consistency.

How long does it take for Lipitor to start working?
Lipitor typically begins to lower cholesterol levels within 2 to 4 weeks of starting treatment. However, it may take several weeks or months to achieve the full cholesterol-lowering effect.

Can Lipitor interact with other medications?
Yes, Lipitor can interact with various other medications, including certain antibiotics, antifungal drugs, and some heart and blood pressure medications. It’s important to inform your doctor about all the medications you’re taking to avoid potential interactions.

Lipitor Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat high cholesterol and reduce certain heart risks. Lipitor can cause side effects, also called adverse effects, that range from mild to serious. Examples include muscle pain and liver damage.

Lipitor is used along with diet and exercise to:

• lower cholesterol levels in adults and some children
• reduce other heart risks in adults with high cholesterol

The active ingredient in Lipitor is atorvastatin. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) The drug comes as a tablet that you swallow.

Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects that Lipitor can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during Lipitor treatment. Examples of Lipitor’s commonly reported side effects include:

• infections, such as the common cold or urinary tract infection (UTI)
• nausea
• pain in your arms or legs
• joint pain*
• diarrhea*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Lipitor include:

• infections, such as the common cold or urinary tract infection (UTI)
• pain in the legs or arms
• nausea
• mild muscle pain*
• joint pain*
• diarrhea*
• mild allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

In most cases, these side effects are temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And, do not stop taking Lipitor unless your doctor recommends it.

Lipitor may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Lipitor, visit MedWatch.

Serious side effects that have been reported with Lipitor include:

• serious muscle pain
• rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition caused by the breakdown of muscle
• immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, a rare muscle condition
• liver damage*
• severe allergic reaction*†

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Lipitor. But it’s unclear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Lipitor, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Lipitor’s side effects.

Do Lipitor and atorvastatin (generic name for Lipitor) have similar side effects?

Yes. Lipitor and its generic version, atorvastatin, typically have the same side effects. Both drugs contain the same active ingredient, which is atorvastatin. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

But the inactive ingredients in Lipitor and atorvastatin may be different. So it’s possible to have different side effects due to the inactive ingredients in these drugs.

If you’re interested in switching between the brand-name and generic forms of Lipitor, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss with you possible differences in the generic’s side effects compared with Lipitor’s.

Is there any difference between the side effects Lipitor may cause in females and males?

No, Lipitor should not cause different side effects in females and males.* In studies of Lipitor, there weren’t differences in side effects in men compared with side effects in women.

It’s important to note that doctors may not prescribe Lipitor during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This is because the drug may cause other side effects while pregnant and breastfeeding. For more information, see the “Warnings for Lipitor” section below.

* In this article, we use the terms “male,” “female,” “men,” and “women” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

Does my risk of side effects depend on what dose of Lipitor I take (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg)?

It’s possible that the strength of Lipitor you take may change your risk of side effects. Lipitor is available in four strengths:

• 10 milligrams (mg)
• 20 mg
• 40 mg
• 80 mg

Taking a higher dose of Lipitor may increase the risk of side effects. So, if you’re taking a dose of 80 mg per day, your risk of side effects may be higher than that of someone taking a 10-mg dose.

If you’re having side effects from taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor. They can check whether your dose of Lipitor needs adjusting.

For more information about Lipitor’s dosages, see this article.

Are weight gain and hair loss side effects of Lipitor?

No, weight gain and hair loss are not side effects of Lipitor.

But there may be a link between taking statin medications such as Lipitor and an increase in appetite. An older study showed that people taking statins consumed more calories and fat than people not taking such drugs. So it is possible that this increase in appetite may lead to weight gain. But this was not reported in studies of the drug.

If you’re taking Lipitor to reduce your risk of heart problems due to type 2 diabetes, you may notice hair loss. This is because diabetes may increase the risk of hair loss in females and males.*

If you have weight gain or hair loss during your treatment with Lipitor, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to recommend ways to manage your weight gain or hair loss.

* In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

Does Lipitor cause any eye-related side effects?

Although rare, it’s possible for Lipitor to cause blurry vision. This side effect was reported in studies of Lipitor.

In addition, eye-related side effects may be a symptom of another side effect that Lipitor causes. Lipitor can increase your risk of liver problems. One side effect of liver problems is yellowing of the eyes or skin.

If you have yellowing of the eyes or other eye-related changes while you’re taking Lipitor, contact your doctor. They can find out what may be causing your eye-related side effects and the best way to treat them.

Learn more about some of the side effects Lipitor may cause.

Muscle pain

You may develop muscle pain during treatment with Lipitor. Muscle pain was a common side effect reported in studies of the drug.

This side effect can be mild or severe. In some cases, muscle pain can also be a sign of a more serious side effect. Examples include rhabdomyolysis, a condition caused by the breakdown of muscle, and immune-mediating necrotizing myopathy, a rare muscle condition.

What might help

If you have muscle pain while taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor. They can determine what may be causing it.

If your muscle pain is mild, your doctor may recommend decreasing your Lipitor dose to see if the side effect lessens.

If you have severe muscle pain, contact your doctor as soon as possible. This may be a sign of a more serious condition. Your doctor might recommend that you stop taking Lipitor right away. And they’ll likely check you for rhabdomyolysis or immune-mediating necrotizing myopathy.

Liver damage

It’s possible to develop liver damage from taking statin medications such as Lipitor. Although liver damage was not a common side effect, it may still occur during Lipitor treatment.

Lipitor may cause increases in liver enzymes, which may indicate liver damage. Symptoms of liver damage include:

• yellowing of the eyes or skin
• belly pain
• nausea or vomiting

What might help

If you have any symptoms of liver damage during your treatment with Lipitor, tell your doctor right away. They can order blood tests to see how well your liver is working.

Your doctor will also check your liver function by ordering blood tests before you start taking Lipitor and throughout treatment.

If you develop increased liver enzymes or liver damage during treatment with Lipitor, your doctor may recommend decreasing your dose of Lipitor. Or they may pause your treatment until your liver enzyme levels increase to the point that it’s safe to resume treatment.

In more severe cases, your doctor may recommend that you take a different medication instead of Lipitor to treat your condition.

Joint pain

Lipitor can cause joint pain. This was one of the more common side effects reported in studies of Lipitor.

What might help

If you experience joint pain during your treatment with Lipitor, tell your doctor. They may be able to recommend ways to decrease this side effect. For example, they may suggest taking an over-the-counter pain medication, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen).

Diarrhea

It’s possible that you may have diarrhea during Lipitor treatment. Diarrhea was a common side effect reported in studies of the drug.

Symptoms of diarrhea include:

• belly pain or cramping
• bloating
• watery stools
• having frequent bowel movements

What might help

If you have diarrhea while taking Lipitor, tell your doctor. They can determine whether Lipitor is causing your diarrhea and the best ways to treat it.

If you have diarrhea, it is important to stay hydrated. Your doctor or pharmacist may also be able to recommend other ways to treat your diarrhea. For example, they may recommend taking an over-the-counter medication such as Imodium (loperamide).

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Lipitor can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
• swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:

• an antihistamine you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to Lipitor, they’ll decide if you should continue using it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Lipitor, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Lipitor treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

• what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
• how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
• what your symptoms were
• how it affected your daily activities
• what other medications you were taking
• any other information you feel is important

Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Lipitor affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Lipitor may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. These are known as drug-condition interactions. Other factors may also affect whether Lipitor is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Lipitor. The list below includes factors to consider.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Lipitor or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Lipitor. Ask them what other medications are better options for you.

Diabetes. It’s possible that Lipitor may worsen diabetes. If you have diabetes, tell your doctor before starting treatment with Lipitor. Your doctor can determine if it’s safe for you to take the drug. Or they may recommend a different treatment option for you.

Thyroid problems. People with certain thyroid problems may have an increased risk of side effects, such as muscle pain, from taking Lipitor. Before you start taking Lipitor, tell your doctor about any thyroid problems that you have. Your doctor can help treat your thyroid condition before Lipitor treatment.

Kidney problems. Lipitor can cause muscle problems, which in rare cases may lead to kidney problems. If you already have kidney problems, taking this medication may worsen your condition. Your doctor can determine if it’s safe for you to take Lipitor with your kidney condition.

Stroke or mini-stroke in the last 6 months. Taking Lipitor after having a stroke or mini-stroke in the last 6 months may increase your risk of having another stroke. If you’ve had a recent stroke or mini-stroke, tell your doctor before starting treatment with Lipitor.

Liver problems. People with liver problems should not use Lipitor due to the risk of harm. Lipitor may cause liver problems to occur. If you already have a liver problem, taking this drug may worsen your condition. Due to this risk, your doctor will likely recommend a different treatment option for you.

Alcohol and Lipitor

There aren’t any known interactions between Lipitor and alcohol. But alcohol and Lipitor can both cause liver damage. So drinking alcohol while taking Lipitor may further increase the risk of liver problems.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much alcohol, if any, may be safe to drink during Lipitor treatment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Lipitor

Lipitor may not be safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Currently, there is not enough information to determine if Lipitor affects a developing fetus, but it is possible. So, your doctor may not prescribe the drug during pregnancy.

It’s also unknown if Lipitor passes into breast milk or affects a child who is breastfed. Due to the possible risks, your doctor may advise you to avoid breastfeeding while taking Lipitor.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed, tell your doctor before starting Lipitor treatment. They can help you understand the risks of taking Lipitor during these times. They may also recommend a different treatment option for you.

You may have side effects during your treatment with Lipitor. In most cases, its side effects are mild. But it’s possible to develop serious side effects from this medication.

Before you start treatment with Lipitor, talk with your doctor about side effects that could occur. Here are some questions to help get you started:

• Can Lipitor cause long-term side effects?
• Do I have an increased risk of Lipitor’s side effects due to my other medical conditions?
• How do the side effects of Lipitor compare with those of other drugs used to treat my condition?
• What should I do if I become pregnant during treatment with Lipitor?

To learn more about Lipitor, see these articles:

• All About Lipitor
• Dosage for Lipitor: What You Need to Know
• Lipitor Interactions: Alcohol, Medications, and Others
• Lipitor vs. Crestor: What You Should Know

To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Lipitor Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat high cholesterol and reduce certain heart risks. Lipitor can cause side effects, also called adverse effects, that range from mild to serious. Examples include muscle pain and liver damage.

Lipitor is used along with diet and exercise to:

• lower cholesterol levels in adults and some children
• reduce other heart risks in adults with high cholesterol

The active ingredient in Lipitor is atorvastatin. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) The drug comes as a tablet that you swallow.

Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects that Lipitor can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during Lipitor treatment. Examples of Lipitor’s commonly reported side effects include:

• infections, such as the common cold or urinary tract infection (UTI)
• nausea
• pain in your arms or legs
• joint pain*
• diarrhea*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Lipitor include:

• infections, such as the common cold or urinary tract infection (UTI)
• pain in the legs or arms
• nausea
• mild muscle pain*
• joint pain*
• diarrhea*
• mild allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

In most cases, these side effects are temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And, do not stop taking Lipitor unless your doctor recommends it.

Lipitor may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Lipitor, visit MedWatch.

Serious side effects that have been reported with Lipitor include:

• serious muscle pain
• rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition caused by the breakdown of muscle
• immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, a rare muscle condition
• liver damage*
• severe allergic reaction*†

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† An allergic reaction is possible after using Lipitor. But it’s unclear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Lipitor, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Lipitor’s side effects.

Do Lipitor and atorvastatin (generic name for Lipitor) have similar side effects?

Yes. Lipitor and its generic version, atorvastatin, typically have the same side effects. Both drugs contain the same active ingredient, which is atorvastatin. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

But the inactive ingredients in Lipitor and atorvastatin may be different. So it’s possible to have different side effects due to the inactive ingredients in these drugs.

If you’re interested in switching between the brand-name and generic forms of Lipitor, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss with you possible differences in the generic’s side effects compared with Lipitor’s.

Is there any difference between the side effects Lipitor may cause in females and males?

No, Lipitor should not cause different side effects in females and males.* In studies of Lipitor, there weren’t differences in side effects in men compared with side effects in women.

It’s important to note that doctors may not prescribe Lipitor during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This is because the drug may cause other side effects while pregnant and breastfeeding. For more information, see the “Warnings for Lipitor” section below.

* In this article, we use the terms “male,” “female,” “men,” and “women” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

Does my risk of side effects depend on what dose of Lipitor I take (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg)?

It’s possible that the strength of Lipitor you take may change your risk of side effects. Lipitor is available in four strengths:

• 10 milligrams (mg)
• 20 mg
• 40 mg
• 80 mg

Taking a higher dose of Lipitor may increase the risk of side effects. So, if you’re taking a dose of 80 mg per day, your risk of side effects may be higher than that of someone taking a 10-mg dose.

If you’re having side effects from taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor. They can check whether your dose of Lipitor needs adjusting.

For more information about Lipitor’s dosages, see this article.

Are weight gain and hair loss side effects of Lipitor?

No, weight gain and hair loss are not side effects of Lipitor.

But there may be a link between taking statin medications such as Lipitor and an increase in appetite. An older study showed that people taking statins consumed more calories and fat than people not taking such drugs. So it is possible that this increase in appetite may lead to weight gain. But this was not reported in studies of the drug.

If you’re taking Lipitor to reduce your risk of heart problems due to type 2 diabetes, you may notice hair loss. This is because diabetes may increase the risk of hair loss in females and males.*

If you have weight gain or hair loss during your treatment with Lipitor, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to recommend ways to manage your weight gain or hair loss.

* In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

Does Lipitor cause any eye-related side effects?

Although rare, it’s possible for Lipitor to cause blurry vision. This side effect was reported in studies of Lipitor.

In addition, eye-related side effects may be a symptom of another side effect that Lipitor causes. Lipitor can increase your risk of liver problems. One side effect of liver problems is yellowing of the eyes or skin.

If you have yellowing of the eyes or other eye-related changes while you’re taking Lipitor, contact your doctor. They can find out what may be causing your eye-related side effects and the best way to treat them.

Learn more about some of the side effects Lipitor may cause.

Muscle pain

You may develop muscle pain during treatment with Lipitor. Muscle pain was a common side effect reported in studies of the drug.

This side effect can be mild or severe. In some cases, muscle pain can also be a sign of a more serious side effect. Examples include rhabdomyolysis, a condition caused by the breakdown of muscle, and immune-mediating necrotizing myopathy, a rare muscle condition.

What might help

If you have muscle pain while taking Lipitor, talk with your doctor. They can determine what may be causing it.

If your muscle pain is mild, your doctor may recommend decreasing your Lipitor dose to see if the side effect lessens.

If you have severe muscle pain, contact your doctor as soon as possible. This may be a sign of a more serious condition. Your doctor might recommend that you stop taking Lipitor right away. And they’ll likely check you for rhabdomyolysis or immune-mediating necrotizing myopathy.

Liver damage

It’s possible to develop liver damage from taking statin medications such as Lipitor. Although liver damage was not a common side effect, it may still occur during Lipitor treatment.

Lipitor may cause increases in liver enzymes, which may indicate liver damage. Symptoms of liver damage include:

• yellowing of the eyes or skin
• belly pain
• nausea or vomiting

What might help

If you have any symptoms of liver damage during your treatment with Lipitor, tell your doctor right away. They can order blood tests to see how well your liver is working.

Your doctor will also check your liver function by ordering blood tests before you start taking Lipitor and throughout treatment.

If you develop increased liver enzymes or liver damage during treatment with Lipitor, your doctor may recommend decreasing your dose of Lipitor. Or they may pause your treatment until your liver enzyme levels increase to the point that it’s safe to resume treatment.

In more severe cases, your doctor may recommend that you take a different medication instead of Lipitor to treat your condition.

Joint pain

Lipitor can cause joint pain. This was one of the more common side effects reported in studies of Lipitor.

What might help

If you experience joint pain during your treatment with Lipitor, tell your doctor. They may be able to recommend ways to decrease this side effect. For example, they may suggest taking an over-the-counter pain medication, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen).

Diarrhea

It’s possible that you may have diarrhea during Lipitor treatment. Diarrhea was a common side effect reported in studies of the drug.

Symptoms of diarrhea include:

• belly pain or cramping
• bloating
• watery stools
• having frequent bowel movements

What might help

If you have diarrhea while taking Lipitor, tell your doctor. They can determine whether Lipitor is causing your diarrhea and the best ways to treat it.

If you have diarrhea, it is important to stay hydrated. Your doctor or pharmacist may also be able to recommend other ways to treat your diarrhea. For example, they may recommend taking an over-the-counter medication such as Imodium (loperamide).

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Lipitor can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
• swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:

• an antihistamine you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
• a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to Lipitor, they’ll decide if you should continue using it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Lipitor, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Lipitor treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

• what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
• how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
• what your symptoms were
• how it affected your daily activities
• what other medications you were taking
• any other information you feel is important

Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help them learn more about how Lipitor affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Lipitor may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. These are known as drug-condition interactions. Other factors may also affect whether Lipitor is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Lipitor. The list below includes factors to consider.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Lipitor or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Lipitor. Ask them what other medications are better options for you.

Diabetes. It’s possible that Lipitor may worsen diabetes. If you have diabetes, tell your doctor before starting treatment with Lipitor. Your doctor can determine if it’s safe for you to take the drug. Or they may recommend a different treatment option for you.

Thyroid problems. People with certain thyroid problems may have an increased risk of side effects, such as muscle pain, from taking Lipitor. Before you start taking Lipitor, tell your doctor about any thyroid problems that you have. Your doctor can help treat your thyroid condition before Lipitor treatment.

Kidney problems. Lipitor can cause muscle problems, which in rare cases may lead to kidney problems. If you already have kidney problems, taking this medication may worsen your condition. Your doctor can determine if it’s safe for you to take Lipitor with your kidney condition.

Stroke or mini-stroke in the last 6 months. Taking Lipitor after having a stroke or mini-stroke in the last 6 months may increase your risk of having another stroke. If you’ve had a recent stroke or mini-stroke, tell your doctor before starting treatment with Lipitor.

Liver problems. People with liver problems should not use Lipitor due to the risk of harm. Lipitor may cause liver problems to occur. If you already have a liver problem, taking this drug may worsen your condition. Due to this risk, your doctor will likely recommend a different treatment option for you.

Alcohol and Lipitor

There aren’t any known interactions between Lipitor and alcohol. But alcohol and Lipitor can both cause liver damage. So drinking alcohol while taking Lipitor may further increase the risk of liver problems.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much alcohol, if any, may be safe to drink during Lipitor treatment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Lipitor

Lipitor may not be safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Currently, there is not enough information to determine if Lipitor affects a developing fetus, but it is possible. So, your doctor may not prescribe the drug during pregnancy.

It’s also unknown if Lipitor passes into breast milk or affects a child who is breastfed. Due to the possible risks, your doctor may advise you to avoid breastfeeding while taking Lipitor.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed, tell your doctor before starting Lipitor treatment. They can help you understand the risks of taking Lipitor during these times. They may also recommend a different treatment option for you.

You may have side effects during your treatment with Lipitor. In most cases, its side effects are mild. But it’s possible to develop serious side effects from this medication.

Before you start treatment with Lipitor, talk with your doctor about side effects that could occur. Here are some questions to help get you started:

• Can Lipitor cause long-term side effects?
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• What should I do if I become pregnant during treatment with Lipitor?

To learn more about Lipitor, see these articles:

• All About Lipitor
• Dosage for Lipitor: What You Need to Know
• Lipitor Interactions: Alcohol, Medications, and Others
• Lipitor vs. Crestor: What You Should Know

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Why weight increases before menstruation and what to do so that there is no weight gain before menstruation

Extra pounds do not always appear due to overeating and bad eating habits. Hormones also contribute to this piggy bank, the composition of which changes depending on the phase of the cycle. Therefore, in addition to other troubles of PMS, we add swelling and weight gain. We decided to figure out why weight increases and a belly appears before menstruation and whether something can be done about it.

Tags:

Women Health

Excess weight

premenstrual syndrome

period

Food

We understand the main reasons why weight increases before menstruation, and how to avoid it.

Contents of the article

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

Actually, you shouldn’t be afraid. Weight gain before menstruation is a regular situation in which you do not urgently need to go on a diet and run to the gym.

Weight gain before critical days: why it happens

Scientists have come to the conclusion that in the days preceding the onset of menstruation, women experience over two hundred different symptoms. Some of them are food cravings, a strong feeling of hunger, swelling. The fact is that during the menstrual cycle, the level of female sex hormones in the body is not constant. Changes can affect appetite and even retain fluid in the body. Whether weight actually increases before menstruation or only apparent fluctuations will help to understand the phases of the cycle, in each of which their hormones predominate. So there are three phases:

1. Menstrual (follicular).
2. Proliferative (ovulatory).
3. Secretory (luteal).

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To calculate how many days before menstruation weight increases, you need to understand the mechanism of hormone production. The first day of menstruation opens with the follicular phase. Rejection of the endometrium leads to bleeding. The hypothalamus (area of ​​the diencephalon) begins production of the secretion of the hormone gonadoliberin. Follitropin and lutropin are also produced, and the level of estradiol rises. Hormones act on the follicles (about 30 of them are formed every month), which is why the latter become larger. When a week passes after the start of critical days, the ovulatory phase starts. The leading follicle continues to grow, while the rest undergo reverse development. The blood releases luteinizing hormone (LH).

After this, the production of prostaglandin hormones begins, while the level of estradiol gradually decreases. In the interval between ovulation and menstruation, the luteal phase opens. The follicle forms into the corpus luteum, promoting the production of progesterone, estradiol and androgens. The first of these three is called the pregnancy hormone. If conception does not occur, the corpus luteum still produces progesterone and then ceases to function. The level of hormones decreases, swelling and changes in the endometrium appear.

Progesterone is responsible for gaining weight and increasing volume before menstruation. It affects metabolism and all organs in the body. Because of it, the endometrial tissue swells and accumulates fluid, allows you to accumulate fat in order to protect the fetus during conception and provide the necessary substances. Appetite also grows thanks to this hormone, especially women are drawn to carbohydrates. At the same time, the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract relax, nutrients are absorbed more easily. Insulin production also increases, which is why you crave sweets so much.

Reviews of specialists and girls say that before menstruation, weight increases in about 5-7 days. But after the start, usually it is also about five days, it returns to the previous figure. Sometimes puffiness persists for a week after the start of the cycle. This is due to hormonal changes that force the body to store fluid.

Your own observations can tell you how much weight increases before menstruation. You can weigh yourself before and after, for example, six months, and get an average result. Experts note that an increase of 1-3 kg is normal. But if the indicator is much higher, you need to review the menu, consult a doctor to help control your appetite, and at the same time make sure that there are no hormonal disorders.

What if you woke up a couple of pounds heavier than usual

Yes, it’s okay to put on a few extra pounds during this period of the month. In fact, it is more correct to call it not a set, but a fluctuation in weight. The “pendant” will go away when a new cycle comes. This weight fluctuation is caused by hormonal changes associated with phase changes. That is why, before menstruation, weight increases and the stomach swells.

The amplitude of these fluctuations is different for all women. Not much attention has been paid to this problem in the medical literature. There are references to an increase in weight by about one and a half kilograms. But some women complain that before menstruation, the weight increases by 2 and 3 kg, which they then successfully lose. It all depends on the characteristics of your body.

It often happens that you stick to the usual diet and the same physical activity as always. But suddenly, standing on the scales, you don’t understand why the weight increases before menstruation, and you are looking for an answer on the forum, because the figure is more than you expected. Don’t be scared! Remember how soon you are waiting for the onset of menstruation. If there are a few days left before them, most likely, the reason was found.

A slight increase in weight, also associated with hormonal activity, can also be observed around the time of ovulation. So breathe out!

Where do these extra pounds come from

Now you know that it’s true, before menstruation, weight really increases. And you understand that due to hormonal changes, water is reluctant to leave your body. The most unfair thing about this is that the exact substances that you especially crave during PMS: salt, sugar and caffeine retain water.

During PMS, we feel a breakdown, weakness, and therefore we want more coffee and less exercise. Irritability and discomfort make us want something delicious to comfort us, either salty chips or a whole box of cakes, even though we know that all this is not healthy at all.

There is also such a psychological moment as dissatisfaction with oneself. During PMS, we look at ourselves in the mirror and think: “God, how fat I am.” Gynecologists have noticed that this is common for many women at the end of the cycle.

We ALL think we’ve gained weight at this time, even if we haven’t actually gained it, simply because we’re more critical of ourselves.

Another possible reason why the stomach and weight increase before menstruation even with a diet is constipation. Progesterone negatively affects intestinal motility. Therefore, some women have difficulty passing stools before their period. This results in bloating and a feeling of heaviness.

What to do so that weight does not increase before menstruation

If you have found all these unpleasant symptoms in yourself, and your female calendar tells you that menstruation is on the threshold, know that you are not alone. A lot of women suffer from weight gain before menstruation. Stop weighing yourself every hour and wait a bit: in the process, everything should return to normal. We will tell you what to do if weight increases before menstruation.

• Minimize your intake of sugar, salt, and caffeine, and try to avoid starchy foods, snacks, and anything that makes you thirsty.
• Remove smoked meats, fatty foods, convenience foods, fried foods from the menu, limit alcohol consumption.
• Eat more raw vegetables and fruits, cook yourself cereals, including buckwheat and oatmeal, include seafood, spinach, legumes, and liver in your diet.
• Go for a walk in the fresh air and do light exercises if you feel well, this will raise the level of serotonin and reduce appetite.